Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

As with all relationships, we know that our bonds in the Pacific are formed and founded in our people-to-people links. We have shared history, interests and understanding. That's why we are investing in a number of projects to strengthen those common bonds, including, particularly, in sport, which often lies at the heart of Australia's engagement with the Pacific. It brings people, communities and countries together. In fact, I was just discussing this with the Nauruan finance minister, David Adeang, this morning. His record-breaking powerlifting feats in the sports complex that I opened at the Pacific Islands Forum last year are the stuff of legend. Under our Australia-Pacific sports linkages program, we have preparations underway for a Young Matildas tour of the Pacific this year, preparations for preseason NRL games in the Pacific from 2021, support for a Fiji team in the New South Wales Rugby League Intrust Super Premiership and support for Netball Australia to assist the Fijian national team prepare for the netball World Cup. So there is much effort in that area. Our church partnerships program is also forging ahead. (Time expired)